Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory has announced new COVID-19 measures following a spike in cases.
Guillory first issued an emergency order Friday afternoon and has since updated it twice as of Saturday afternoon to include new restrictions for the parish.
Guillory said in his third updated emergency order issued on Saturday that because this is a continually changing health crisis, he will continue to evaluate and assess the situation and will adjust guidelines and restrictions as necessary.
The following restrictions and closures will take effect immediately and are in effect until July 15:
- Lafayette City-Parish Hall, the Clifton Chenier Center and the Public Works Administration building are closed to the public.
- The 8 p.m. - 6 a.m. parish-wide curfew instated on March 16, 2020 and lifted on May 28, 2020 is reinstated for unaccompanied minors beginning this evening. Minors who work will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Compliance checks will be increased by the Lafayette Police and Fire Departments at bars, restaurants and retailers.
- Loitering and gathering outside of facilities, or on public sidewalks downtown Lafayette is prohibited.
- Lafayette Consolidated Government will remain open and all employees remain at work. All drive up services will remain open.
- Lafayette Consolidated Government is implementing a COVID-19 testing program for its employees, including those who interact with the public.
- All public gatherings and events will be limited to a maximum of 200 people. Local, state, and federal guidelines for social distancing shall be enforced with the only exception being families who live under the same roof.
- Participants and hosts of any public events are required to wear a face mask at all times, maintain a minimum of six feet of social distancing, and ensure that appropriate sanitization measures are taken as necessary.
- Religious institutions conducting religious services, previously scheduled events at the Heymann Performing Arts Center, and high school graduation ceremonies previously scheduled at the Cajundome are not subject to the 200-person limitation in the order declared on June 26.
- Places of business during their ordinary scope and course of operations are not subject to the limitations declared on June 26.
Masks will also be required at events planned at the Heymann Performing Arts Center. Read more on that here.
Regarding the several events planned this weekend, including one scheduled to take place at the Cajundome on Saturday, Guillory said that the Lafayette Police and Fire Departments, along with the State Fire Marshal's Office, will be out "in force" to ensure all events are in compliance with local, state, and federal law. Additional restrictions may be imposed if the public health threat continues to increase, Guillory said.
An LCG spokesperson clarified that while the Lafayette City-Parish Hall building, located at 705 W. University Ave., is closed to the public, employees will continue to come to work and government services will continue.
“We need all of our citizens, especially our young people to be aware of the continued importance of testing, social distancing and preventative hygiene,” Guillory said. "As always, the solution to this public health emergency rests with us. Only our diligence and vigilance will bring about the result we all want. We will continue to follow federal guidelines, work closely with the governor’s office, our Acadiana leaders and Mayors from across the parish."
Watch his address below:
Updated emergency order from Mayor-President Guillory:
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